In a dramatic reversal of fortune, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has been moved back to its Lagos nest, leaving the inadequate space to function optimally in Abuja behind.
This homecoming was initiated by the new Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Mr Festus Keyamo after extensive consultations with the FAAN Management and Unions in the agency putting an end to the relocation saga that trailed the Abuja move.
The initial Abuja move, in a statement by FAAN’s Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, was Ill-advised, pointing fingers at the lack of suitable accommodation and hefty funds expended on rental that guzzled public funds.
According to her, with over 60% of FAAN’s activities anchored in Lagos, the bustling hub where the majority of air traffic takes off and lands, staying in the City of Aquatic Splendor made perfect sense.
In this return to base directive, staff uprooted by the Abuja move have been welcomed back to Lagos and the FAAN Management says, it is their responsibility to ensure that these staff are paid their Duty Tour Allowance due them.
While a permanent office solution is being planned, FAAN will temporarily roost in its familiar Lagos building able to shelter all its senior officials under one roof.
The statement also disclosed that, the aviation Minister has ambitious plans to have befitting offices in both Lagos and Abuja, to be built by concessionaires.
Until then, the Management team of FAAN and staff would continue to operate from the old Lagos office buildings as launchpad, with efficiency and passenger comfort guiding their every flight path.
